Whether you’re looking for historic atmosphere, theme park adventure, or shopping - Tampa Florida has all this and more.
Historic Tampa
The Tampa Bay area is full of history, and there is much to be shared with tourists visiting the area. Ybor City (pronounced Ee-bor), Tampa’s Latin Quarter, is a historic area of Tampa, where you can stroll along the cobblestone streets in some areas, and visit the old Cuban cigar factory, where they still hand roll cigars in the museum. The old factory is now filled with shops and eateries. For lunch, munch on a Cuban sandwich. At night the streets come alive as some of the area’s trendiest clubs light up the strip.
Tampa Theater is the city’s historic lavishly ornate movie theater, and a Tampa City Landmark. It was built in 1926, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The theater offers tours of its facilities, from backstage-to-balcony, as well as a demonstration of its own Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ, which is often played before film showings.
Tampa Day & Nightlife
Channelside District is also good for those seeking a nightlife atmosphere. You can find a variety of dining options, as well as clubbing, movie theaters (including a 3-D IMAX theater) in the Channelside area. The Channelside plaza is located right on the Gulf of Mexico, where cruise ships are docked in port.
A little further south you’ll find the Pier, where you can stroll along the overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. This is a popular spot simply because of its breathtaking beauty. The architecture is unique, a five-story inverted pyramid sitting at the end of a quarter-mile entrance, complete with a trolley ride. There’s something for everyone inside, as you’ll explore shops, restaurants, live music, The Pier’s very own non-profit Aquarium, galleries, cruises, boating docks, and more. Venture to the top floor and find yourself overlooking the Gulf of Mexico from the large observation deck.
Tampa Animal Life
The Florida Aquarium is one of the finest you’ll find. It features a scuba diver’s eye-view for visitors. The aquarium features four galleries, following the water in the wetlands to the ocean depths. You’ll see otters, alligators, turtles, and multitudes of fish while touring the Wetlands Gallery. Many species that live near the shore can be seen in the Bays and Beaches gallery. The Coral Reef Gallery features a 500,000-gallon artificial reef tank, which is home to over 1,600 reef-dwellers. The Offshore Gallery is where you’ll see sharks, jellyfish, sea turtles, and other larger marine animals. Reach out and touch sharks and rays in the gallery’s touch tank. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!
If you want to see more animals, stop by the Lowry Park Zoo, named one of the nation’s top three midsize zoos. You’ll see over 1,500 animals of over 375 species, including some rare species such as the Florida panther. Explore the free flight aviary where countless birds can be discovered. Children will love the exotic reptile exhibit and the petting zoo. The zoo is also your chance to see one of Florida’s own, the endangered West Indian manatee. The zoo houses a hospital and research center for this loveable creature.
Tampa Museums
The Florida International Museum always has incredible exhibits which tour around the country, so be sure to stop by and see what’s currently touring! It may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! In the past they’ve featured the Tour of the Czars, an exhibit on mummies, and an intriguing exhibit on the Titanic. They have a permanent exhibit on J.F.K., as well as the Cuban Missile Crisis exhibit. These exhibits are presented in such a way that they are enjoyable for all ages.
The Holocaust Museum is a somber look at the history behind the holocaust. You will be guided through a multi-media presentation exploring the history behind the holocaust, including artwork, photographs, and artifacts. They feature a permanent exhibit called “History, Hope, and Heritage.”
Don’t miss out on a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry, otherwise known as MOSI. This museum features over 450 interactive, hands-on exhibits that will entertain and nurture minds of all ages. Be a fighter pilot on a mission, watch an open-heart surgery, and feel the force of a 74 - mile per hour hurricane winds in the Hurricane exhibit! Be sure to visit the IMAX dome theater that’s always showing the latest in IMAX film technology. Don’t forget to say “hello” to the thousands of butterflies in BioWorks Butterfly Garden. Wear bright colors, and maybe one will come and sit on your shoulder!
Other nearby museums included are the Great Explorations Hands-On Museum, Tampa Museum of Art, Salvador Dali Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts, Ybor City State Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, and many more.
Tampa Theme Parks
If you’re in the mood for thrills, check out Busch Gardens Tampa, the Dark Continent. Africa is the theme for this theme park owned by Anheuser-Busch. This park features nine areas portraying locations in Africa. The park’s entrance is Morocco, and that are features live shows, dining, and shopping. Nairobi features The Great Ape Domain, where chimpanzees and gorillas roam three acres. The Serengeti Plain features the over 800 animals, roaming the Plain while you take a safari through the land. Some of the other areas feature incredible roller coasters and other thrill rides. Congo features the Kumba, the fastest steel coaster in the southeast, as well as the raging Congo River Rapids. Egypt will bring you face to face with King Tut’s tomb, as you explore the ruins. Will you brave the Montu, the tallest and longest inverted roller coaster in the southeast? Stanleyville will be sure to cool you off with the Tanganyika Tidal Wave and the Stanley Falls Log Flume. Timbuktu features a midway full of family games, as well as a few other roller coasters and midway rides. Children will enjoy the play areas of The Bird Gardens and Land of the Dragons.
If you visit in the summertime and you want to cool off, Adventure Island is the place to be. The 25-acre water park is owned by Busch Gardens, and features high-speed water rides, slides, and free-falls. There are areas for everyone, even those who just want to relax on an inner-tube and float away.
Tampa Beaches
In Tampa you’re never too far from the Gulf Coast area (Treasure Island, Clearwater, St. Pete Beach, and Sand Key) beaches, so on a hot summer day you may want to take a drive and explore the many beaches along these areas.
A list of nearby beaches includes:
Clearwater Beaches: Pier 60 Park, Sand Key Park, Honeymoon Island State Park, Caladesi Island State Park
Sand Key Area Beaches: Indian Rocks Beach, Tiki Gardens Beach, Redington Shores, Madiera Beach, Sand Key Park
Treasure Island Area Beaches: Treasure Island Beach, Sunset Beach, St. Petersburg Municipal Beach
St. Pete Area Beaches: St. Pete Beach, Upham Beach, Pass-A-Grille Beach
No matter what your vacation plans include, Tampa has much to offer those touring this lovely city.
